A pattern of romantic attraction or the identity used to describe it. It may align with, differ from or be described independently of sexual orientation.
Sources and evidence type
Manual claim and limitation notes are shown where an individual source audit is complete. Other evidence-type labels are a publisher aid awaiting source-by-source confirmation.
Stonewall: LGBTQ+ termsCommunity context
Source design
Contextual or community source
What it can support
Terminology, reported practice or community context within the source’s own setting.
Important limitation
Community usage is not universal and does not establish safety, prevalence, clinical benefit or legal permission.
Illustration created using generative AI; not documentary evidence.
In brief
A way to describe romantic attraction separately when that distinction is useful.
The split-attraction model distinguishes romantic and sexual attraction and is particularly useful to some ace- and aro-spectrum people. Someone might be asexual and biromantic, or aromantic and homosexual. Other people experience attraction as inseparable or simply do not use romantic-orientation labels.
The split-attraction model
Separating types of attraction can give language to experiences that do not align. Common forms include heteroromantic, homoromantic, biromantic, panromantic and aromantic.
The model is optional. It should not be imposed on people who use one integrated orientation or understand attraction differently.
Status
Detailed editorial draft
Publisher
The UK Kink Guide
Reviewed
Structured draft present; individual review date not recorded
Evidence
3 cited sources · types labelled below
Jurisdiction
UK-focused general education
Read the rest: evidence, law, safety and sources
Romantic attraction
A pull toward romantically framed connection with a particular person.
Sexual attraction
A pull toward sexual contact or interest directed at a particular person.
Romantic orientation
A label for the gender pattern or absence of romantic attraction.
Relationship preference
The form of relationship someone wants, which is not determined by attraction alone.
Attraction is not behaviour
A person can experience romantic attraction without dating and can form a relationship without a conventional experience of attraction. Identity is not read from partner history.
Romantic attraction also does not guarantee compatibility, commitment, exclusivity or consent.
Culture and ambiguity
Ideas of romance vary across cultures, communities and individuals. Gestures such as cohabitation, affection or gifts can be romantic, platonic or practical depending on meaning.
Some people find romantic and platonic attraction hard to distinguish. Uncertainty is not pathology and labels may change.
Communication and inclusion
Ask what relationship terms and expectations mean to the people involved. Avoid assuming romantic partnership should outrank friendship, family or queerplatonic bonds.
Forms and services can ask separately about identity, partners and support needs only when relevant, with a write-in and prefer-not-to-say option.
Non-graphic examples
What the umbrella may include
Identifying as asexual and biromantic.
Being aromantic while experiencing sexual attraction.
Not using the split-attraction model at all.
Having romantic feelings without wanting a relationship.
Clarifying whether a close bond is romantic or queerplatonic.
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Questions you could ask a professional
What information would help you understand my question?
What are the realistic options and uncertainties?
How can disability, communication or privacy needs be accommodated?
When should the situation be reviewed again?
These prompts do not replace assessment and do not imply that every reader needs professional care.
Continue learning
Take the next step from definition to context.
Continue with independent guidance connecting romantic orientation to evidence, consent, safety, uncertainty and practical decisions.
The UK Kink GuideEvidence-led glossary